Navy to allow Kaua'i beach access

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The Pacific Missile Range Facility will begin processing applications July 15 for access to the 7.5 miles of base beaches, and access will be reopened July 20.

The base, which fronts a continuous white-sand beach, was closed to the public after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the Mainland. Community members have called on the Navy to reopen access for fishing, swimming, surfing and other beach activities.

Under the new access plan, residents will be allowed in if they have proper identification cards, and only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays. Weekday and night access may be permitted later, said base commander Capt. Donald Wilson.

Residents can pick up application forms at any county neighborhood center. The memorandum of agreement form must be filled out and taken to the Kaua'i Police Department headquarters in Lihu'e for a background check. Those with felony convictions will not be allowed access.

Once certified by the Police Department, an application can be presented from noon to 3 p.m. at the missile range gate for preparation of an ID card. To avoid congestion, the base will handle applications from people with last names starting with A to E on Mondays, F to J on Tuesdays, K to O on Wednesdays, P to T on Thursdays and U to Z on Fridays.

Call Beth Tokoka at the mayor's office at (808) 241-6300 or Vida Mossman at the missile range at (803) 335-4740 for further information.